Tourism is part and parcel of what makes Hong Kong an international, vibrant city. With rich cultural and built heritage, country parks of breathtaking beauty, strong credentials as a global MICE (Meetings, Incentive travels, Conventions and Exhibitions) hub, and well-established infrastructure, Hong Kong has what it takes to be a world-class premier tourism destination. To this end, it is important that the tourism industry develops in a balanced, healthy and sustainable manner.
The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau assumes policy responsibility over the development of the tourism industry. Within the Bureau, the Tourism Commission formulates Hong Kong’s tourism policies, and oversees and coordinates the implementation of various tourism initiatives and projects. It also serves as a focal point of liaison with various stakeholders in the tourism industry and related trades.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board is a statutory government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide, and to enhance visitors' experience once they arrive. Headquartered in Hong Kong, it has 15 offices worldwide and representatives in six source markets.
The Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong is responsible for trade self-regulation of travel agents, tourist guides and tour escorts, through promulgating codes of conduct and directives as well as implementing a disciplinary mechanism, under the existing regulatory regime of the travel industry.
The Travel Industry Authority is an independent statutory body established under the Travel Industry Ordinance (Chapter 634) in December 2019 to regulate travel agents, tourist guides and tour escorts in a holistic manner under the new regulatory regime of the travel industry. The Government expects that it will take about two years for the Authority, upon establishment, to complete all necessary preparation for the full implementation of the new regulatory regime.
